Heat Stroke First Aid

First-Aid
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How to Treat Heatstroke in Dogs

Symptoms and Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs

  1. Excessive Panting: Rapid and heavy panting.
  2. Drooling: Excessive salivation.
  3. Red or Pale Gums: Gums that are bright red or pale.
  4. Increased Heart Rate: Rapid heartbeat.
  5. Weakness or Stumbling: Difficulty standing or walking.
  6. Vomiting or Diarrhea: Often bloody.
  7. Confusion or Dizziness: Disorientation or unresponsiveness.
  8. Collapse: Sudden inability to move or unconsciousness.

Immediate Actions (Do’s)

  1. Move to a Cool Area: Take the dog to a shaded or air-conditioned area immediately.
  2. Offer Water: Provide cool (not cold) water to drink, but do not force the dog to drink if it is unwilling or unconscious.
  3. Cool the Dog:
  • Wet Towels: Apply cool, wet towels or cloths to the dog’s head, neck, armpits, and groin.
  • Cool Water Bath: If possible, immerse the dog in cool (not cold) water. Alternatively, you can use a hose or shower to pour cool water over the dog.
  • Fans: Use fans to help with the cooling process.
  1. Monitor Temperature: Use a rectal thermometer to monitor the dog’s temperature. Aim to reduce it to 103°F (39.4°C), then stop cooling to avoid hypothermia.
  2. Seek Veterinary Attention: Contact a veterinarian immediately, even if the dog appears to be recovering.

What to Avoid (Don’ts)

  1. Avoid Ice or Very Cold Water: Do not use ice or ice-cold water as this can cause blood vessels to constrict, trapping heat inside the body.
  2. Do Not Force Water: Do not force the dog to drink water if it is not willing, as this could lead to aspiration.
  3. Do Not Overcool: Stop the cooling process once the dog’s temperature reaches 103°F to prevent hypothermia.
  4. Avoid Overcrowded or Confined Areas: Do not keep the dog in a confined, hot, or poorly ventilated area.

Heatstroke in dogs is a serious and potentially fatal condition. Recognize the signs early, act quickly by moving the dog to a cool environment, offering water, and cooling the dog with wet towels and fans. Always seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. Avoid using ice or very cold water, forcing water intake, overcooling, and keeping the dog in hot or confined spaces. Prompt and appropriate action can save your dog’s life.

This is a time in which drops of peppermint essential oil on the dog with a cool towel covering can help cool them down. Or add drops of peppermint to their paw pads and ears.

See also Homeopathy Remedies for Heatstroke

Seek Veterinary Care Immediately.

Heatstroke
Heat Stroke
Overheating